Roshanara Begum (3 September 1617 – 11 September 1671) was a prominent Mughal princess, recognized as the third daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Renowned for her intellect and poetic talent, Roshanara was a staunch supporter of her younger brother, Aurangzeb, during the succession conflict that arose following Shah Jahan’s illness in 1657. Upon Aurangzeb’s ascension to the throne in 1658, he conferred upon her the title of Padshah Begum, establishing her as a significant political force.
Among Roshanara’s four brothers, the eldest, Dara Shikoh, was favored by Shah Jahan and was the designated heir to the Peacock Throne. In this struggle for power, Dara Shikoh garnered the support of their eldest sister, Jahanara Begum, while Roshanara aligned herself with Aurangzeb.
Revealed Murder Conspiracy to Aurangzeb
Roshanara’s ascent to influence was marked by her successful thwarting of a conspiracy orchestrated by her father and Dara Shikoh aimed at eliminating Aurangzeb. Shah Jahan had extended an invitation to Aurangzeb to come to Delhi under the pretense of resolving the familial discord amicably. However, his true intention was to capture and eliminate Aurangzeb, whom he perceived as a significant threat to his reign. Upon learning of her father’s plans, Roshanara dispatched a messenger to Aurangzeb, revealing the actual motives behind Shah Jahan’s invitation and advising him to avoid Delhi. Aurangzeb expressed profound gratitude to Roshanara for her timely intervention. Following the resolution of the succession conflict in Aurangzeb’s favor, she swiftly emerged as a formidable and influential figure within the court.
Conspiracy Against His Own Brother
Concerned that Dara Shikoh might seek retribution against her for her involvement in the succession struggle should he regain power, Roshanara urged Aurangzeb to execute Dara. Dara was captured, paraded in chains through Chandni Chowk, and ultimately beheaded. Roshanara then had his severed head adorned with a golden turban, meticulously packaged, and sent to her father as a gift from both Aurangzeb and herself. Shah Jahan, who unwrapped the package just as he was about to begin his dinner, was overwhelmed by the sight of his beloved son’s severed head, causing him to collapse unconscious onto the floor. He remained in a dazed state for several days following this traumatic event.
Jealous Sister
The relationship between Roshanara and her elder sister, Jahanara, was fraught with tension and jealousy, as Jahanara was undeniably their father’s favored daughter. Roshanara achieved a significant triumph over her sister when Aurangzeb, displeased with Jahanara for her allegiance to their father and brother during the succession conflict, dismissed her from her role as Padshah Begum and leader of the Imperial harem, appointing Roshanara in her stead. Consequently, Roshanara emerged as the most influential and esteemed woman in the empire. She was appointed as a Mansabdar, a prestigious position within the Emperor’s military, which was instrumental in enforcing his rule and maintaining his power, particularly during his absences.
Life is Full Circle
In time, Roshanara and Aurangzeb’s relationship soured. Rumors circulated regarding her involvement with various lovers, which Aurangzeb disapproved of. Moreover, she governed Aurangzeb’s palace with a firm hand, exhibiting the same determination she had displayed during the succession war, which earned her the animosity of her brother’s wives. She also provided counsel on state affairs and accompanied him to significant meetings, occasionally voicing her opinions from behind her curtained enclosure.
She played a significant role in the construction of the Jama Masjid. While Aurangzeb was engaged in the pursuit of Dara, involved in conflict with Shah Shuja, or campaigning in the Deccan, she effectively managed the affairs of Delhi on his behalf.
Last Nail in the Coffin
In 1662, during a sudden and severe illness that befell Aurangzeb, Roshanara Begum assumed control over his care, permitting only her trusted associates to visit him. Convinced that her brother would not survive, she took over the administration of the state. In a bold move, she appropriated Aurangzeb’s signet ring and forged a decree that denied his eldest son by Nawab Bai any claim to succession.
When Nawab Bai discovered this and raised her concerns, Roshanara reacted with fury, seizing her by the hair and forcibly removing her from Aurangzeb’s presence. Following Aurangzeb’s recovery, she justified her actions by claiming that they were necessary to prevent conspiracies and succession disputes that could lead to chaos during his illness.
Additionally, she had a penchant for wealth, particularly gold and land, amassing considerable riches through often unscrupulous means. This led to numerous grievances against her, yet none were pursued in court due to her influential position. Furthermore, she egregiously exploited the extensive powers and privileges Aurangzeb had conferred upon her prior to his lengthy military campaign in the Deccan for her own financial gain.
Towards Her End
Ultimately, by 1667/8, Roshanara’s tenure as the de facto co-ruler of the empire came to an end. Her adversaries soon brought her financial and ethical misconduct to Aurangzeb’s attention. As a devout Muslim, Aurangzeb disapproved of Roshanara’s extravagant lifestyle and avaricious tendencies. Upon his return to Delhi, he revoked her authority, exiled her from his court, and commanded her to live in seclusion, leading a pious existence in her garden palace, situated outside the city.
Despite the establishment of Aurangzeb’s reign, Roshanara harbored fears regarding the repercussions of her past actions. Consequently, she requested Aurangzeb to construct a palace for her situated outside the confines of the walled city. Opting to distance herself from the increasingly perilous and unpredictable realm of politics, Roshanara chose to lead a secluded life within her palace in Delhi, enveloped by a dense forest.
She remained unmarried and resided in her palace until her death. Aurangzeb orchestrated the discreet poisoning of his sister, resulting in her suffering greatly, described as ‘swollen out like a hogshead, leaving behind her the name of great lasciviousness.’ Her palace, located within the Roshanara garden, serves as a testament to her significant influence in Indian history. She passed away at the age of 54, and Aurangzeb arranged for her burial in the Roshanara Bagh, a garden she had personally designed and commissioned.